JFL calls for alcohol code to be scrapped
Justice for Licensees (JFL) has joined the clamour of calls for the alcohol retailing code to be dropped completely.
The code, which would have forced pubs to follow conditions including curbs on drinks promotions and smaller drinks servings, could cost the trade £58m to implement with on-going annual costs of £38m.
Last week, business secretary Lord Mandelson called for the mandatory code to be delayed as part of moves to help businesses in the recession.
However, the Home Office and the health lobby are still pressing for its implementation.
"It is abundantly apparent to most in this trade that the proposed alcohol retail code will do little to ensure its' aims of reducing the rate of crime, health harm and anti-social behaviour on our streets," said JFL leader Inez Ward.
"There are sufficient laws available to ensure that all of the directives can be achieved without further government legislation and red tape. Pubs are the retailers who, under legislation, have to ensure that they retail alcohol responsibly.
"We will be suggesting to government that people who choose to break the law and act anti-socially should and must have the full weight of the law used against them.
"There is a requirement for more education of the masses on the ill effects of alcohol. We will also be suggesting that there needs to be a study of the effects of supermarkets retailing unlimited amounts of alcohol at a reduced price.
We are firmly of the opinion that the code will not achieve its' aims and will only prove to be a drain on resources and finances."
She added: "There has to be some accountability, pre-loading is apparent and in existence, this is not within the control of the pubs.
"Those who choose to binge drink or drink to excess must be taught that this will affect their health, those who choose to break the law or act anti socially must be held accountable for their actions as must those who choose to sell copious amounts of reduced price alcohol.
"It is unacceptable that one of the most tightly controlled industries is, once again, being held accountable for the actions of others."
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